WWE Raw in Düsseldorf: Chaos, Challenges, and a Controversial Finish on the Road to Royal Rumble
Düsseldorf, Germany, played host to a chaotic and compelling episode of WWE Raw on January 16, 2026, as the company continued its build towards the Royal Rumble.The show was packed with advancing storylines, intense confrontations, and a main event finish that left fans questioning what they had just witnessed. From championship declarations to shocking interference, Raw delivered a night of professional wrestling drama.
New Champions Set the Tone, and Chaos Ensues
The show kicked off with newly crowned WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY addressing the WWE Universe. The pair reflected on their hard-fought victory over the Kabuki Warriors, emphasizing the physical and mental toll the match took. Ripley and SKY asserted their dominance,positioning themselves as the standard-bearers for the women’s tag team division. IYO SKY stated that asuka and Kairi Sane lacked respect, prompting their decisive response. ripley than issued an open challenge, promptly drawing the attention of Liv Morgan and roxanne Perez.
The ensuing confrontation quickly escalated. Morgan, still seemingly aggrieved over a previous title loss, boldly claimed the championship should rightfully be hers. This claim was quickly countered by Bayley and Lyra valkyria, who argued their own deservingness for a title shot. Before a resolution could be reached, The Kabuki Warriors launched a surprise attack on Ripley and IYO SKY, igniting a full-blown brawl that set a frenetic pace for the rest of the evening. This initial chaos signaled a night where tensions were high and anything could happen.
Personal Battles and Rising Stars
backstage, AJ Styles provided insight into the personal nature of his upcoming match against GUNTHER. Styles revealed that the conflict stemmed from GUNTHER’s perceived disrespect towards WWE legend John Cena. He vowed to make GUNTHER submit, delivering a particularly pointed promise to do so “like a little bitch,” raising the stakes and adding a layer of animosity to the anticipated clash. This personal element underscored the intensity of the rivalry and hinted at a perhaps brutal encounter.
In-ring action saw Je’Von Evans make a memorable debut, defeating Bravo Americano in an notable performance. Evans demonstrated resilience, surviving outside interference and executing a stunning Spanish Fly and cutter combination to secure the victory. he narrowly avoided a post-match ambush, further solidifying his image as a rising star capable of handling pressure and adversity. This debut performance immediately established Evans as a competitor to watch.
Punk’s Declaration and Bálor’s challenge
CM Punk took to the ring to address his future as World Champion, declaring his intention to reign indefinitely. He pledged to be a fighting champion, promising to defend his title vigorously as WrestleMania season approached. However, his proclamation was interrupted by Finn Bálor, who made it clear he was no longer willing to wait for an opportunity. Punk questioned Bálor’s recent absence, accusing him of hiding behind the internal drama of The Judgment Day and indulging in video games.
Despite the verbal sparring, Punk accepted Bálor’s challenge for a match the following week in Belfast. Bálor confidently predicted he would become the new Irish World Champion, prompting a dismissive response from Punk, who apologized in advance to Ireland, promising to defeat Bálor with his signature GTS maneuver. This exchange set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with meaningful implications for the World Championship.
Contender Chaos and Tag Team Turbulence
A chaotic triple threat match to determine the number one contender for the Women’s tag Team Titles pitted The Kabuki Warriors, Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez, and Bayley & Lyra Valkyria against each other. The bout was characterized by constant near falls and fast-paced sequences, showcasing the athleticism and determination of all participants. Ultimately, Liv Morgan secured the victory by catching Bayley with the ObLIVion, earning herself and Roxanne Perez a future title opportunity. This win further elaborate the landscape of the women’s tag team division.
Raquel Rodriguez continued her aggressive pursuit of Stephanie Vaquer, addressing her attack from the previous week. Rodriguez declared she was finished waiting for her turn and refusing to conform to expectations. When Vaquer appeared on stage, daring Rodriguez to come for her title, Rodriguez immediately attacked, once again targeting Vaquer’s injured ankle with the championship belt. This ruthless display of aggression signaled Rodriguez’s unwavering determination to claim the championship.
Breakker’s breakdown and a Controversial Main Event
Tag team action descended into chaos when Bron Breakker unexpectedly interfered in the match between Penta and Dragon Lee against Austin Theory and Bronson Reed. Breakker’s repeated spears and subsequent confrontation with Adam Pearce crossed a line, resulting in an indefinite suspension announced by Pearce. This decision drew a furious reaction from Paul Heyman backstage, suggesting potential repercussions and further escalating the situation. breakker’s impulsive actions have landed him in hot water and created a new layer of conflict within the WWE.
The main event of the night featured a brutal first-time singles match between AJ Styles and GUNTHER. Styles strategically targeted GUNTHER’s leg, repeatedly applying the Calf Crusher. In a controversial finish, Styles claimed GUNTHER tapped out while the referee was distracted. However, GUNTHER capitalized on the confusion, delivering a low blow and a powerbomb to secure the win. The match ended amidst controversy, leaving fans questioning the legitimacy of the result and further fueling the animosity between the two competitors.
looking Ahead to the Royal Rumble
Raw concluded with lingering controversy surrounding the main event and escalating tensions across multiple divisions. As the royal Rumble draws closer,the WWE Universe is left with a sense of anticipation and uncertainty. The events of this episode have undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable road to WrestleMania.
